Bucketfeet Now Open in Shaw

“Bucketfeet D.C. is located at 1924 8th Street NW and features a custom mural by local artists MasPaz.” Photo by Joy Asico

From a press release:

“Chicago-based footwear brand, Bucketfeet officially opens its first Washington, D.C. retail studio in the city’s vibrant Shaw neighborhood (1924 8th Street NW). The 914-square foot space, designed and conceptualized by New York-based firm M Crown, sells the brand’s signature slip-on and lace-up sneakers, which feature exclusive, limited-run prints and motifs designed by a global network of over 40,000 artists from more than 120 countries. The new D.C. retail studio also features a custom graphic mural by local artist and community muralist MasPaz. In addition to its new D.C. location, Bucketfeet also has two retail studios in Chicago and has been sold in more than 15 countries.

“Bucketfeet’s mission is to create a brighter world by sparking conversations that bring people together.” hoto by Joy Asico

Through its responsive commerce business model, Bucketfeet — with shoes ranging in price from $62 to $148 for men, women and children — gives artists the opportunity to receive royalties for their accepted shoe designs, which are manufactured exclusively for Bucketfeet. There’s a different artist and a different story behind every shoe, bolstering Bucketfeet’s mission to create a brighter world by sparking conversations that bring people together, create mutual respect, foster shared understanding and, thus, build a better world.

Bucketfeet receives up to 1,000 artwork submissions each week. The Bucketfeet team considers each submission and allows its online audience to vote on a favorite. Designs and materials for Bucketfeet sneakers range from high-quality screenprints and embossing to premium leather and canvas.

Bucketfeet first took shape in Argentina, when artist Aaron Firestein (Bucketfeet co-founder and chief artist) sold a pair of hand-drawn shoes to fellow traveler Raaja Nemani (Bucketfeet co-founder and CEO). Nemani’s pair of customized shoes ignited conversations throughout his subsequent world travels across 30 countries and ultimately led him and Firestein to conceive the idea for Bucketfeet.”

I feel like this is the type of idea that always draws some ire as another hipster oriented concept.. That said, I actually think (from a quick glance at the website) that some of the designs are pretty cool looking and not obnoxiously priced. I think I dig it, though I obviously haven’t been to the space.